The second annual championship, in which units from Territorial regiments in all parts of the country have taken part, was brought to a conclusion on April 8, at the Soho Square Salon, when Staff-Sergt. A. N. Baker (1st City of London Fusiliers) successfully defended his title to the handsome challenge trophy presented by Messrs. Burroughes and Watts. Baker was opposed in the challenge round by Gunner W. J. Saunders (1st London Brigade R.G.A.), the survivor of some hundreds of challengers, and the game was 1,000 up. Final scores:—Staff-Sergt. A. N. Baker, 1,000; Gunner W. J. Saunders, 875. During an interval A. Williamson, who refereed the game, gave a neat display of fancy strokes.
At the close Mr. J. R. Abbott, director of Messrs. Burroughes and Watts, introduced Major-General J. S. Cowan, Director-General of the Territorial Forces, who presented the prizes to the successful competitors. This function over, Major-General Cowan addressed the company. It was, said the speaker, an extremely good performance for Staff-Sergt. Baker to win the handsome challenge trophy two years in succession. Personally he was of opinion that a man who played billiards well could also play the game of life as it ought to be played. The Major-General concluded his interesting remarks by conveying the thanks of the Territorial Forces to Messrs. Burroughes and Watts for their kindness and tangible encouragement in making such an interesting competition as this not only possible but highly successful.
Mr. Abbott suitably acknowledged the compliment, and proposed a vote of thanks to Major-General Cowan, who was accompanied by Col. W. P. Crowe, of the winner's regiment, for his active support and presence there that evening.
The winner and runner-up were presented with gold medals, while the following took silver medals with gold centres:—Brigade Sergt.-Major Dymoke (3rd London R.F.A.), Sergt. T. O'B. Hubbard (R.E., Army Troops), Sergt. H. D. Smith (10th County of London Regt.), Rifleman J. T. King (London Irish Regt.), Sergt. J. P. Perkins (6th East Surrey Regt.), Sergt. Austin (R.F.A., Dover).
The general arrangements for the whole competition were in the hands of Mr. W. G. Clifford.